Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building

The Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building is the headquarters of the US Department of Justice in Federal Triangle, Washington D.C., sitting on a trapezoidal plot along Pennsylvania Avenue NW. The Indiana limestone facades rise seven stories and blend Greek Revival with Art Deco elements in their decorative treatment.

The structure opened in 1935 and gave the Department of Justice a permanent home after decades in temporary offices around Washington. Work on its interiors continued until 1941 and included an extensive series of wall paintings.

The building bears the name of Robert F. Kennedy, who served here as Attorney General before his assassination in 1968. Wide corridors display murals showing law enforcement and democratic ideals, painted by artists during the Depression era.

Access is limited to public areas, as this is an active government building where daily operations take place. Visitors should expect security screening at the entrance.

Instead of traditional bronze, aluminum was used extensively here, including entrance doors that stand six meters tall (about 20 feet). More than ten thousand light fixtures throughout the structure are also made from this lighter metal.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Inception: 1935

Architects: Milton Bennett Medary, Clarence C. Zantzinger, Charles Louis Borie, Jr., Zantzinger, Borie & Medary

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture, Art Deco architecture

Floors above the ground: 7

Floors below the ground: 1

Elevation above the sea: 3 m

Made from material: Indiana limestone, steel, aluminium

Part of: Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site

Address: 950 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20530

GPS coordinates: 38.89320,-77.02500

Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:55